Obtaining prompt, trustworthy health advice can be difficult in today’s hectic world, particularly when your usual physician is unavailable. The Healthdirect Hotline can help with that. This free, government-funded service is available all around Australia and is intended to help you make educated decisions about your health at any time of day or night.
What Is the Healthdirect Hotline?
The Healthdirect Hotline is a 24/7 telephone service staffed by registered nurses who can provide immediate, professional health advice. Whether you’re experiencing a sudden illness, need to know whether to visit a doctor, or just have a question about symptoms, the hotline can guide you on the best next steps.
- Phone number: 1800 022 222 (free call from most landlines and mobile phones in Australia)
- Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Staffed by: Registered nurses trained to assess symptoms using clinically approved triage tools
When Should You Call?
You might consider calling the Healthdirect Hotline if:
- You’re feeling unwell but aren’t sure if it’s an emergency
- Your GP is closed or unavailable
- You need general health advice or help understanding symptoms
- You’re caring for a child, elderly person, or someone with a chronic condition and need immediate guidance
What to Expect
When you call, you’ll speak with a nurse who will ask you a series of structured questions to understand your condition. Based on your responses, they’ll provide:
- Self-care advice for minor ailments
- Recommendations on seeing a GP or visiting a pharmacy
- Guidance on whether you should go to an emergency department or call an ambulance
The advice is confidential, evidence-based, and designed to help reduce unnecessary hospital visits while ensuring you get the right care at the right time.
Complementary Services
Healthdirect also offers a website and mobile app that features:
- A symptom checker
- A health service finder (for GPs, hospitals, and pharmacies)
- Reliable health information vetted by Australian health professionals
Visit: www.healthdirect.gov.au
Why Use the Healthdirect Hotline?
- Free and accessible: No cost, no appointments, no waiting rooms
- Peace of mind: Get professional advice anytime, even in the middle of the night
- Support for all Australians: Including rural, remote, and underserved communities